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| Lake Whatcom |
Melanie and I originally thought about heading up to Blanchard Mountain, which we have not visited for awhile, but since I had a headache and am only a little more than a day past my second Covid shot, we decided instead to do the much easier Hertz trail at Lake Whatcom. It's one of our favorites, and the cloudy skies helped us make the final decision.
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| Stump with guests |
We saw this island stump had a few Canadian geese parked on top when we first passed by. Originally, we wondered if they had decided to make a nest there, but when we saw it on our return trip, they were gone. I did wonder about how they made it up there; I would have loved to watch their incoming approach.
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| Landslide leftovers |
We knew that this trail had been closed recently and were not sure if it was open yet, since a fairly recent rock slide had been reported by other hikers. This picture shows that rocks and trees are no longer impeding the trail. We did see lots of sawed logs from downed trees, and the rocks on the side are new; they were not there during our last trip. A caution sign is in the far distance but it didn't tell us not to cross the area, so we headed on down the trail.
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| Lovely stream |
There are two bridges in this 3+-mile stroll, and this is the stream that flows under the second one. It's hard to see in this picture, but all the deciduous trees and bushes are just beginning to send tiny buds out. Spring is definitely in the air.
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| Old tree still useful |
This tree is now what is called a "nurse log," because it provides sustenance to plenty of ferns, moss, little tiny bushes, and who know what else? Although it barely retains its original shape, it will continue to nourish life until it becomes reabsorbed into the ground.
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| Hertz trail in dappled sunlight |
As the morning wore on, the skies cleared until we received quite a bit of sunshine. However, it didn't last for long: on the way back I noticed that the clouds were once again clotting up the sky, but it didn't matter to us and the other hardy souls on the trail. Yesterday's rain stayed away, and we certainly didn't mind the mild temperatures. We covered around 6.5 miles on this out-and-back adventure. Now it's time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the day.
:-)
I can see how that area would be prone to landslides.
ReplyDeleteLovely as usual, and you had some sunshine too.
ReplyDelete6.5 miles is not bad on a sore arm. Well I mean with a sore arm and maybe not feeling top notch after the shot. I'm doing about 3 miles a day on trails but nothing special.
ReplyDeleteHope your headache went away. Nice hike even with a headache! Yes those Geese would have been fun to watch fly in!
ReplyDeleteY'wonder if the headache is a side affect of vaccine #2?!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, glorious images today D J.
Feel better.
You must feel so good after a walk in such beauty. Those photos show such natural wonder!
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the geese also. They usually need a large landing area. They don't seem to have good brakes.
ReplyDeleteSure hope your headache is better and probably the hike helped by letting you focus on something else.
I admire you for your hardiness. Imagine hiking despite a headache.
ReplyDeleteI love the moss covered nurse tree. There is something wonderful about moss - the way it catches and diffuses the light. And, how I just can't seem to grow it here.
ReplyDeleteLove your pics as always, DJan. As for the headache, it certainly could have been a side effect from the vaccine. Hope it went away quickly.
ReplyDeleteAnother nice PNW walk.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely hike. I would have enjoyed this one, if I could. I'm glad you were able to overcome discomfort and get out there where you belong.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautifdul walk! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you got your second shot, DJan. And this "easier" trail is absolutely beautiful. I do love the luxurious woodland moss.
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